Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

Extinct species tortoise

Why Evolution Keeps Creating Giant Versions of Small Animals

Maria Faith Saligumba

Evolution is a fascinating dance between time and nature, where the tiniest organisms can transform into giant marvels. Imagine an ant the size of a dog, or a rabbit as big as a deer. While these might sound like scenes from a science fiction movie, the natural world is replete with examples of small creatures ...

A detailed close-up of lush green ivy leaves showcasing vibrant natural foliage.

English Ivy Is Taking Over Pacific Northwest Forests—And That’s Not Romantic

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: you’re hiking through what should be a pristine Pacific Northwest forest, expecting to see towering Douglas firs and delicate ferns carpeting the forest floor. Instead, you’re greeted by an endless green blanket that’s strangling everything in sight. This isn’t the enchanting fairy-tale forest you imagined—it’s a botanical nightmare unfolding right before your eyes. ...

galapagos giant tortoise

Mauritius’ Lost Giants: The Fate of the Island’s Tortoises

Maria Faith Saligumba

Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity. However, nestled within its history is the poignant tale of its lost giants—the tortoises that once roamed its lands. These ancient creatures, much like the island’s famous dodo, have become symbols of extinction and lost natural heritage. ...

Four heavy equipment on quarry at daytime.

Gold, Rubber, and Vanishing Species: The Impact of Resource Extraction

Maria Faith Saligumba

The relentless pursuit of natural resources has been a defining characteristic of human history, shaping economies and societies worldwide. Among these resources, gold and rubber have stood out as icons of wealth and industrial progress. Yet, beneath their shimmering allure lies a darker narrative. This tale is one of environmental degradation and the silent disappearance ...

Pollination

The Werewolf Plants That Change Shape Based on the Moon

Maria Faith Saligumba

In the realm of nature, few phenomena capture the imagination quite like the notion of werewolf plants—plants that undergo transformations in response to the phases of the moon. This concept, though it may sound like a tale from a fantasy novel, has its roots in real scientific observations. Many plants exhibit behaviors that appear to ...

gray structure near sea

Tasik Chini: Malaysia’s “Loch Ness Monster” Lake

Maria Faith Saligumba

Deep in the heart of Pahang, Malaysia, lies a mysterious body of water that has captivated locals and visitors for generations. Tasik Chini, a series of interconnected freshwater lakes, harbors secrets that rival Scotland’s famous Loch Ness. For centuries, whispers have echoed through Malaysian villages about a creature lurking beneath the dark waters—a serpentine beast ...